NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory Projects Summaries, 1995.
NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory Projects
Summaries, 1995.
(11516 K)
Raufaste, N. J., Jr.
NIST SP 838-8; 213 p. August 1995.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB95-270047
Keywords:
building technology; building control; coatings;
combustion; flammability; computer integrated
construction; concretes; earthquakes; earthquake
engineering; fire dynamics; fire hazards; fire physics;
fire safety; heat transfer; moisture; indoor air
quality; lighting; quality assurance; refrigeration;
smoke dynamics; structural performance; suppression;
test procedures; toxicity; fire research
Abstract:
Construction is one of the Nation's largest industries.
In 1994, total construction amounted to about $847
billion which is 12.5% of U.S. GDP (new construction put
in place amounted to about $508 billion and renovation
contributed about $339 billion). U.S. construction
accounts for more than 10 million jobs. Fires and
natural disasters destroy a significant portion of
constructed facilities every year. Costs of fire safety
and fire losses exceed $128 billion a year. Natural
disasters cause tens of billions of dollars annually.
For example, since 1993, the United States experienced
significant property losses from the Mid-West Floods;
Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki; the January 1994 Northridge
Earthquake; the numerous west coast wildfires that
resulted in significant damage to the built environment;
among other natural phenomena that occur each year. The
quality of constructed facilities directly affects the
productivity of the U.S. building and fire communities
and affects the safety and quality of life of all
constructed facilities. Over 60% of the nation's wealth
is invested in constructed facilities. This report
summarizes BFRL's research for 1995. The report is
arranged by its research programs: structural
engineering, materials engineering, mechanical and
environmental systems, fire safety and engineering, fire
science, and applied economics. Each summary lists the
project title, the BFRL point of contact, sponsor,
research, and recent results. BFRL's mission is to
increase the usefulness, safety, and economy of
constructed facilities and reduce the human and economic
costs of unwanted fire in buildings.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899